from a derivative of θύω (in the sense of blowing; denoting a certain fragrant tree); made of citron-wood:--thyine.
Transliteration:thýïnos
Pronunciation:thoo'-ee-nos
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective G2367 (thýïnos) is derived from a root related to θύω (thyō), which can carry meanings such as "to rush," "to blow," or "to sacrifice." However, the specific definition for G2367 clarifies its derivation "in the sense of blowing; denoting a certain fragrant tree." This indicates that thýïnos primarily means "made of thyine wood" or "citron-wood." Thyine wood, often identified with *Tetraclinis articulata* (formerly *Callitris quadrivalvis*), was a highly esteemed and expensive wood in the ancient world, particularly prized by the Romans. It was valued for its durability, beautiful grain, and distinct aromatic qualities, especially when burned or worked. Its semantic range is thus confined to this specific, valuable, and fragrant material.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G2367 (thýïnos) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the book of Revelation.
* [[Revelation 18:12]]: "gold, silver, precious stones, pearls, fine linen, purple, silk, scarlet, all kinds of fragrant wood, all kinds of ivory articles, all kinds of costly wood, bronze, iron, and marble, cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, olive oil, fine flour, wheat, cattle, sheep, horses, chariots, and slaves—human lives."
In this passage, thýïnos is part of a lengthy list of luxury goods and commodities that the merchants of the earth lament losing upon the fall of Babylon the Great. The phrase used is "πᾶν ξύλον θύϊνον" (pan xylon thyinon), meaning "all kinds of thyine wood." Its inclusion among precious metals, jewels, fine fabrics, and other costly materials underscores its status as a high-value trade item. The context is a lament over the cessation of the vast commercial enterprises that characterized Babylon, highlighting its immense earthly wealth and the opulent lifestyle it supported. This list of goods symbolizes the material foundation and allure of the world system that stands in opposition to God.
### Related Words & Concepts
While G2367 is unique in its specific application, its meaning and context connect it to several broader biblical concepts and related terms:
* **Luxury Goods and Wealth:** thýïnos is consistently grouped with other extremely valuable items such as gold, silver, precious stones, and ivory. This places it firmly within the biblical theme of earthly wealth and its often corrupting influence.
* **Commerce and Trade:** The immediate context in Revelation 18 is the lament of merchants, linking thýïnos to the extensive commercial networks and economic power of Babylon.
* **Idolatry and Worldly Systems:** Babylon the Great, in Revelation, represents the epitome of a world system that is hostile to God, characterized by greed, materialism, and spiritual harlotry. The trade in thýïnos and other luxury items is part of the system's allure and its ultimate condemnation.
* **Aromatic Substances:** The "fragrant" aspect of thyine wood links it to other aromatic materials mentioned in the same passage, such as cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, and frankincense. These were often used in ancient worship (both true and false) and for personal luxury, appealing to the senses.
* **θύω (thyō):** The root verb from which G2367 is derived, though the specific sense of "blowing" related to the tree's fragrance or the sound it makes is emphasized here, rather than the more common "to sacrifice" meaning of thyō.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G2367 is primarily derived from its singular appearance within the apocalyptic vision of Revelation 18.
* **Symbol of Earthly Transience:** Thyine wood, as a highly prized but ultimately perishable commodity, serves as a potent symbol of the fleeting nature of worldly wealth and glory. Its loss upon Babylon's fall emphasizes that all material possessions and the systems built upon them are subject to divine judgment and ultimate destruction.
* **Indictment of Materialism:** The inclusion of thýïnos within the extensive list of goods whose trade ceases contributes to the broader prophetic indictment of materialism and the idolatry of wealth. Babylon's sin is not merely possessing these things, but making them the foundation of its power and identity, thereby rejecting God.
* **Contrast with Spiritual Riches:** The lament over lost thýïnos and other material goods stands in stark contrast to the eternal, spiritual riches found in Christ. While the world mourns its lost treasures, the heavenly host rejoices over God's righteous judgment and the vindication of His people.
* **The Seduction of the World:** The "fragrant" and luxurious nature of thyine wood, like other items listed, points to the seductive power of worldly allure. These goods appeal to the senses and desires, drawing humanity away from true worship and devotion to God.
### Summary
The Greek word G2367 (thýïnos) refers to "made of thyine wood," a valuable and fragrant timber highly prized in antiquity. Its sole New Testament occurrence is in [[Revelation 18:12]], where it is listed among the luxurious commodities traded by Babylon the Great. In this context, thýïnos functions as a powerful symbol of the immense earthly wealth, commercial power, and material splendor that characterize the corrupt world system. Theologically, its inclusion underscores the transient nature of worldly riches, serves as an indictment against materialism and the idolatry of wealth, and highlights the ultimate divine judgment that will befall all systems opposed to God, contrasting the fleeting allure of earthly possessions with the enduring values of God's eternal kingdom.
TRV